Incredible history, a rich culture, sites that date back to Greek and Roman times, a spectacular coast and the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia - Turkey truly has it all and it's waiting to be discovered.Plan your tailor-made holiday

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Turkey Discovered - 14 Days

Discover Turkish treasures on a trip that packs in Ottoman Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, historic Gallipoli and the Aegean, fine Mediterranean beaches, whirling dervishes, stunning Cappadocia and UNESCO listed Safranbolu. This is ultimate Turkey, in two amazing weeks!

All relevant transfers and transportation in private, modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and $2 USD per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Saturday. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul airport and included transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time for you to relax or explore. At 8 o clock this evening our tip filled welcome meeting takes place. A great opportunity to meet your tour guide and travelling companions before our exciting 14 day adventure gets under way.Overnight: Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world to span two continents resting on the shores of the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life.

Today we embark on a classic guided tour of the city's highlights. Our first stop is Sultanahmet, the compact old city filled with parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. The Hagia Sofia, constructed in the 6th century, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace where we spend time exploring the grounds and various museums contained within the Palace walls. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Early this morning we travel to the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli. Here, we’ll embark upon a guided tour of the region, once the site of fierce fighting and today almost hauntingly beautiful, with its wooded landscape dotted with understated memorials to the war dead.

Our guided tour of the region will take in sights such as ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian War Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair New Zealand War Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years. Roughly 3 feet deep, the system of trenches provided much need safe cover for troops as they desperately fought the enemy.

Crossing the Dardenelles by ferry (offering panoramic views of the entire Gallipoli Peninsular) we proceed to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation, waterside.Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Troy & Coastal Kusadasi

Gallipoli – Kusadasi. At Troy (the inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy) we visit the Trojan Horse and ruins. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city that dates back to 3000BC! En route to Kusadasi, we explore the ruins of Pergamum with it's impressive temples, library and medical facilities which made it a famous cultural and political centre of it's time. Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi - Sirince. Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. Positively the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus, under the Romans, was a vast city with a population nearing 250,000 and became the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. It revelled in it's prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel!

Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and afterward we stop to watch a demonstration of how they are made before visiting the quaint Greek village of Sirince peached mountainside within a valley of vineyards and orchards.Overnight: Kusadasi | Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Meandering through the sweeping plains and endless cotton farms we arrive at the ruins of Roman Hieropolis and the hot springs of Pamakkule. Admire this surreal landscape created by frequent earthquakes in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin. Marvel at the crystalline marble, quartzites and stalagtites, which shimmer in the sunlight. There will be time to paddle our feet as you walk the terraces or opt for a dip in the thermal baths. Later we stop at a leather manufacturing house.Overnight: Pamukkale | Breakfast, Dinner

Pamukkale - Koycegiz - Fethiye. Arriving at the lakeside town of Koycegiz, we embark upon a boat cruise to Turtle Beach and smother ourselves in mud at the local mud bath. We continue our journey to Fethiye, a charming port town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, fringed by the Taurus Mountains where we'll spend the next two nights. Overnight: Fethiye | Breakfast, Dinner

Fethiye - Kayakoy Greek village - Oludeniz - Fethiye. After breakfast today we explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. This afternoon we drive to Oludeniz, a popular resort town which is home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon. Here you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a swim before travelling back to neighbouring Fethiye.Overnight: Fethiye | Breakfast

Fethiye - Antalya. Today we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon, take a walk through nature, or just relax and watch the world go by from the fig tree-shaded wooden platforms that overlook the river. Weaving our way through the Touros Mountains we arrive to Antalya visiting the Duden Waterfalls en route.Overnight: Antalya | Breakfast, Dinner

Antalya – Cappadocia. Early morning departure for Konya, en route we visit the ancient theatre of Aspendos. Arriving at Konya, we tour the monastery of the Mevlana whirling dervishes and the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. A further stop is made along the Silk Road at the Seljuk - a fine example of an ancient Silk Road caravanserai.Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11

Underground Cities

Today we tour the stunning Cappadocia region - an extraordinary national treasure The utter improbability of the seemingly surreal landscapes have to be seen to be believed, where whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.

A guided tour of the region includes the World Heritage Listed Goreme Valley to see stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches and chapels, Kaymaki Underground City and Uchisar Castle. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley where century’s old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs, the pigeon droppings that litter the area have been used as fertilizer on crops for generations. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, specialising in historic jewellery designs unique to Turkey and using local materials and craftsmen. For those not interested in shopping spend a little time relaxing and grab a drink from the local cafe. An optional Turkish dinner and folklore evening is available tonight.Overnight: Cappadocia | Breakfast

Cappadocia – Safranbolu. Opt for an early morning hot air balloon flight over lunar landscape. Today we head to the World Heritage Listed town of Safranbolu. The town boasts many graceful Ottoman homes, once the residences of royalty and artisan work shops crafting traditional Turkish wares. Tonight we stay in an Ottoman mansion home.Overnight: Safranbolu | Breakfast, Dinner

Safranbolu - Istanbul. This morning we embark on a walking tour of the old town before returning to Istanbul with an afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar. The remainder of the afternoon and evening offers free time.Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast

Friday. We say goodbye to our new friends, our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.

Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus (Karakoy), Istanbul

Opened in February 2016, the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus is the latest in the Novotel range. Guest rooms have a contemporary design and the hotel also benefits from an indoor pool, onsite spa and fitness centre. The Novist restaurant serves up a delicious array of Turkish and international dishes. Set in the trendy Karakoy district of the city it's a great place to base yourself when visiting the city.

Kolin Hotel, Canakkale

Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day.
The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.

Ramada Kusadasi, Kusadasi

Perched on the coast next to the Aegean Sea, the palatial Ramada Kusadasi has no less than six outdoor pools with water slides, a stunning indoor pool and luxury spa centre. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped all with private balconies. Guests can choose from Turkish or Italian inspired restaurants as well as a number of bars. There is also a large golf club with excellent facilities and beautiful grounds.

Pamukkale Doga Thermal Hotel , Pamukkale

Complete with both indoor and outdoor pools, the Doga Thermal Hotel is a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms are bright and spacious with wonderful en suite facilities. There is complimentary Wi-Fi offered throughout and a sumptuous buffet served for breakfast and dinner. The spa facilities on offer include sauna, Turkish bath, hot spring bath, massage treatments and a fittness centre.

Hotel Ata Park, Fethiye

Set with a beautiful green backdrop, the Hotel Ata Park is a comfortable hotel with well equipped rooms and a gorgeous outdoor pool. The rooms boast hard wooden flooring, some quirky furnishings and balconies with fantastic views across the bay. Tempt your palate with delicious local seafood at the in house Bahriyeli Fish House or quaff some beautiful local wines at the Wine House. Both come highly recommended.
The hotel is located right on the bay overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Best Western Khan Hotel, Antalya

Modern and elegant, the Best Western Khan has good sized rooms with en suites and a range of modern amenities, and free transportation to Konyaaltı, one of the most beautiful beaches in Antalya. A breakfast buffet iserved in the hotel's restaurant on a daily basis and various Turkish delicacies can be found here as well. The hotel also has a pool and fitness centre. The hotel is located in the city centre, within easy walking distance of the Old Town and Marina.

Kapadokya Lodge, Cappadocia

Kapadokya Lodge is a contemporary hotel featuring carefully designed rooms. The architectural style draws upon the shapes, colours and textures of the landscape to make your trip to Cappadocia seem even more special.The hotel has an onsite restaurant is buffet style with a great array of Turkish and International cuisine. Free wi-fi is available and the outdoor pool is great for a refreshing dip. It is also possible to see the hot air balloons in the morning from the hotel.

Cinci Han, Safranbolu

One of the biggest historic caravansarays in Turkey, the Cinci Han is a unique style hotel. Guest rooms are classically designed with attractive silk bedding and rustic stone interiors. Meals are served in the a la carte restaurant and wi-fi is available throughout. Sip delicious Turkish tea in the open courtyard - the perfect way to end the day!
Well located on the outskirts of Safranbolu.

Ramada Old City, Istanbul

A member of the reputable Ramada chain, the Istanbul Old Town property is modern and comfortable with excellent amenities. Guestrooms are bright and spacious with contemporary amenities. Two restaurants are on offer and our personal favourite is the wonderful roof top restaurant, serving delicious local cuisine coupled with a magnificent view of the City and Sea. The perfect way to end the day.
Located very close to the Historical part of the city with major Monuments are all walking distance.

Reviews

Scoring an average traveller rating of 4.83
out of 5
based on 29 recent reviews

This was a fantastic tour which packed in lots of history and activities, and some breathtaking countryside. From visiting temples and colosseums to taking mud baths and swimming in mineral pools, this tour has it all. Particularly enjoyed visiting the Hellenic cities at Pergamon and Ephesus, swimming in the sacred & limestone pools at Pamukkale, turtle spotting around Fethiya ... The hotels were good and most had pools. Our tour guide Esra was excellent, from telling us loads about the history and culture to giving Cerys a bag of cat treats to feed the local cats and also helping us when we lost our wallet. At no time did we feel unsafe, a great country to visit.
”

Martin Brown &bullet; Submitted 05 Sep 2017

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The Tour guide was absolutely incredible. He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make the tour as interesting as possible and to make our stay as pleasant as possible. The tour itself was also incredible, I really had such an amazing time and I don't feel like I missed anything. ”

Frederick Biggs &bullet; Submitted 17 Jul 2017

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The tour was Fantastic !! I had an Amazing time . Turkey is a Beautiful country & I enjoyed seeing so many aspects of it . We had a great group & it was so much fun . Loved the whole 2 weeks , & was sad to see it end & to leave my new friends . Our tour guide Burhan was fantastic , I was amazed at how he remembered all the history & information of everything I saw. He is a super nice & caring person , attentive to all of us.

He is a great leader , taking care of all aspects of our travels ,but also asking our opinions & thoughts . He played a Huge role in making the tour & my experience fantastic & so memorable. Overall - he is the Best !! I will recommend this tour to everyone I know .

I would definitely consider another tour with your company !! My only complaint would be that I think your single supplement price is way too high . Otherwise , my experience with all aspects of this trip including booking - ( Caroline did a great job taking care of all my questions) was great .

Thank you ”

Josephine Letawsky &bullet; Submitted 09 Jun 2017

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THE TOUR WAS FANTASTIC. REGGIE WAS AWESOME. HIS PASSION FOR HIS COUNTRY, HIS LOVE FOR HIS JOB AND HIS UNENDING KNOWLEDGE MADE THIS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE. HE IS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FRIENDLY AND HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE. THANK YOU REGGIE FOR A WELL ORGANISED AND ENJOYABLE TRIP.
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shubha MAHOMED &bullet; Submitted 22 May 2017

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Emrah was a very knowledgeable guide who managed to cater his approach for the different people on the tour. He was very supportive and always available.”

Catherine Cripps &bullet; Submitted 24 Jan 2017

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Hello - Turkey is one of the best countries I have visited and would encourage everyone to put it on their wish list. The country, people, food/wine, culture and history are all wonderful. Istanbul is an amazing city; so alive and vibrant - needs to be seen to be believed. My husband and I stayed on another 5 days to enjoy it further. The group consisted of 12 people plus the guide and driver; we covered 5,200 kls in total. Our tour guide was Recep Aydin who was an absolutely marvellous guide who provided us with great insight into every site and attraction we visited. His knowledge was outstanding which he delivered with genuine passion for what he does. I am so happy I was on his tour to have experienced his presence and personality. Turkey is not a country to be wary of, as described by the Australian Government, who advise - to exercise extreme caution. I didn't find it a dangerous place at all. There was a military presence and additional security in public places but it was not intrusive, and I did not fear for my safety. The country is suffering badly with tourism down 80% due to cancellations, which is a real shame to see. Since coming home we have spread the word to family, friends and colleagues to go to Turkey and especially do this very same tour. Cheers Jean”

Jean Latchem &bullet; Submitted 01 Nov 2016

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From the outset of this tour Recep provided an excellent insight to the wonders of Turkey. His expert knowledge coupled with a very fine sense of humour helped with this small tour on which there were 4 members who did not want to join in with the group. Recep is an excellent guide and helped us when things did not go quite to plan such as an ATM not returning my EFTPOS card. He organised some excellent additional evening activities which again helped in my understanding of Turkey and its culture. I would recommend this tour to everybody and if they are lucky enough to have Recep as their guide they will be in for a wonderful time. ”

Robin Latchem &bullet; Submitted 30 Oct 2016

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Turkey is a land of contrasts - in a relatively small country the range was remarkable. Out tour leader, Erkan is Turkish and like most Turks, he is very passionate about his country. He also has a deep knowledge of current topics and history (including religions of Turkey). Our tour was well organised. Our driver Ghengis worked very well with Erkan making sure it all went according to the plan - the two were a fantastic team. At no time did we have concerns for our safety knowing that On The Go were taking all steps to ensure we were not put in dangerous situations. Tourist numbers were low so it meant we could experience historical sites without the noise normally present at popular sites. Now is a very good time to be making the trip to Turkey.”

Colin Riordan &bullet; Submitted 29 Oct 2016

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Our guide was fantastic and the trip was well organised and very enjoyable. We did have a couple of people on the trip that excluded themselves from fitting in which did cause some concern for the guide. ”

Paul Wills &bullet; Submitted 24 Oct 2016

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I've just done the 14 day Turkey Discovered tour with On The Go Tours and our tour guide asked us to give you feedback

Although very apprehensive about going after the incident at the Airport and the Coup I took a deep breath and went

This would have to have been one of the best experiences I've had, the tour guide Reggie was outstanding in both historical knowledge and communication skills, Ali was also a very competent driver briefly when I travel next year I will find what tours are available and book through your company

Tour Bolt-ons

This was a fantastic tour which packed in lots of history and activities, and some breathtaking countryside. From visiting temples and colosseums to taking mud baths and swimming in mineral pools, this tour has it all. Particularly enjoyed visiting the Hellenic cities at Pergamon and Ephesus, swimming in the sacred & limestone pools at Pamukkale, turtle spotting around Fethiya ... The hotels were good and most had pools. Our tour guide Esra was excellent, from telling us loads about the history and culture to giving Cerys a bag of cat treats to feed the local cats and also helping us when we lost our wallet. At no time did we feel unsafe, a great country to visit.
”

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.

If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement.

Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons.

Signature

Exciting Days, Comfortable Nights

On The Go's Signature group tours place local interaction and authenticity at the heart of your cultural travel experience. Upping the comfort stakes, this range is a clear cut above our Adventure range.

Appealing to a wide age demographic from the 20s to 60+, we maximize your days with excitement and awe and then bring you home to a comfortable 4* hotel with western amenities, air-conditioning, WiFi and, where appropriate, a swimming pool. Hotels can sometimes be of 3 or 5 star standard too, ensuring you get the best value for your holiday.

Visiting all the main attractions you’ll be accompanied throughout by our highly qualified English-speaking local guides too. Group size is typically 18 with a maximum for 28, apart from festival tours, where group sizes can be larger due to the one-off nature of these events.

Guaranteed Departures

This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

Compare Tours

Select up to 3 tours to compare prices, itineraries and complete tour options:

For all our tours and tailor-made holidays we provide you with a clear categorisation of all hotels we use. The REGIONAL CATEGORY indicates the local rating of each hotel in each respective country. We have also rated each hotel using OUR CATEGORY, which will be in line with generally accepted western hotel grading standards.

SimpleBasic hotels and simple accommodation is a no frills option with an adventurous authentic feel.

StandardStandard accommodation equates to a Western 3-star standard, always featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant.

SuperiorSuperior accommodation equates to a Western 4-star standard, featuring en-suite rooms and usually a restaurant and often a swimming pool and/or a fitness centre.

DeluxeDeluxe accommodation equates to a Western 5-star standard, usually featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, excellent service and customer care.

LavishLavish accommodation equates to a Western 5-star plus standard - the creme de la creme. Featuring spacious, en-suite rooms, a restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre and an array of amenities, this accommodation is a cut above the rest. Sheer opulence!

Tipping Kitty

Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in Turkey, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Turkey Group Tours

We have a range of group tours to suit all interests from short city breaks that focus on Istanbul and Gallipoli to tours which spend up to 2 weeks touring this fascinating country. Opt to end in Marmaris where you can enjoy some beach-side bliss or head to Turkey this Christmas for a festive holiday with a difference. There's also the choice to combine Turkey with neighbouring Greece or the ancient wonders of Egypt.